Beresheet Hotel in Israel takes on the defending champion in the final round. // Photo by Beresheet Hotel

In convincing fashion, the Beresheet Hotel in Israel has won Travel Agent's 2018 "Coolest Hotel Pool in the World" contest.

In the final match-up, which concluded this morning, Beresheet dethroned last year's champion, The Westin Austin Downtown, by racking up a tournament-high 62,935 votes. In fact, Beresheet led all other hotels in votes in every single round.

The Westin Austin Downtown finished another successful year in Travel Agent's annual contest by tallying an impressive 26,274 votes in the finals. This was actually more than the hotel scored when it won last year's championship with 26,008 votes.

Luxury Travel Advisor’s ULTRA Summit

May 21-23, 2019 | Reunion | Kissimmee, FL

This exclusive, invite-only event focused on the luxury travel market brings together world-class travel agency owners and managers with the most opulent, luxury suppliers to cultivate collaboration, share insights, and help carve a path into the future of luxury travel.

Thanks to all of Travel Agent's readers and travel industry colleagues for taking part in our fun, bracket-style tournament, which we hope to bring back every year.

Until next year, here's what you need to know about this year's champion and runner-up.

The Coolest Hotel Pool in the World - Beresheet Hotel in Israel

Travelers on holiday in Israel will have several cool pool options while staying at the chic Beresheet Hotel.

Set high on a clifftop, Beresheet offers views of the world’s largest erosion crater, Ramon Crater. Located in the Negev Desert, the resort has 39 ground suites with private pools, an outdoor infinity pool and an indoor pool.

The indoor pool is heated and has relaxing music playing underwater, while the outdoor pool is positioned at the cliff’s edge.

Each pool allows for views of the desert nature reserve. Guests can book rooms or deluxe villas with private plunge pools that have views of the desert or crater. However, special requests must be made in advance by contacting the reservations team at [email protected].

Advisors should note that the hotel does not offer pool activities. The luxurious Carmel Forest Spa, however, includes treatment rooms, a sauna, a hot tub, relaxation areas, Turkish Hamam (steam room) and more than 70 body and beauty care treatments.

Guests can enjoy meals such as vegetarian, fish, or gourmet meat, cocktails, hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverage at the poolside Rosemary Restaurant or the resort’s lobby bar.

Beresheet Hotel covers roughly 12.5 acres and consists of 101 private villas of one or two stories, situated throughout the grounds at altering distances from each other.

As we mentioned, 39 of the ground rooms open to private pools and the top floor rooms open to balconies with desert/crater views.

The Runner-Up - The Westin Downtown Austin

All fans of city views from a rooftop will want to take a dip at last year's champion and this year's runner-up, The Westin Austin Downtown.The hotel's main pool is Azul, which is said to be one of Austin’s highest rooftop pools and bars.

The bar/pool has luxurious cabanas, a fire pit and 180-degree views of Austin. In addition, Azul offers custom cocktails on tap, perfect to enjoy the beautiful Austin view with. The heated Azul pool and rooftop space can be rented our for private parties and functions.

Westin Austin Downtown offers various rooftop programing, from a wellness package that includes rooftop yoga classes to a Guitar 101 package that includes rooftop guitar lessons with a local band, an in-room guitar and exclusive VIP access to famous venues and historic blues clubs.